MANILA, Philippines - The New Zealand Embassy recently celebrated Waitangi Day. The reception, attended by dignitaries from the government, business, and the diplomatic corps, was hosted by New Zealand Ambassador Reuben Levermore at his residence. The Philippine Government was represented by DFA Secretary Albert Del Rosario. Waitangi Day is New Zealand’s national day. It is commemorated to mark the signing of New Zealand’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, which was signed on February 8, 1840 between representatives of the British crown and chiefs of the Maori tribes.